The Two Top Tips to Avoid Diabetic Foot Problems
Posted on: 16 April 2018
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As a diabetes sufferer, you have an increased chance of experiencing foot issues over time. Untreated foot issues could lead to serious consequences -- possibly even amputation of part or all of the foot. However, there's no reason that you have to deal with this if you're vigilant about proper foot care. There are a couple of key things that you can do to protect your feet and avoid diabetic foot complications. Here are the top two tips you need to try.
Regular DIY Foot Exams
Regular foot exams are critically important for any diabetes sufferer -- and you'll be the person performing these exams in most cases. Whilst it's always important to see your podiatrist on a regular schedule, you'll need to check your feet daily as well. Look after your feet each day by checking for changes like:
- Blisters
- Sores
- Open cuts
- Puffiness
- Inflammation
- Cracks in the skin, especially heels
Be sure to examine every centimetre of each foot. The less airflow that an area gets, the more susceptible that it can be to sores and other damage. Therefore, those crevices between the toes can develop sores unnoticed if you're not checking daily. If you observe one or more of the problems above, contact your podiatrist straight away.
Some of the issues listed above may indicate vascular issues that must be attended to immediately. Your podiatrist may refer you to a vascular surgeon if the problem is severe.
High Quality Footwear
High quality footwear can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your feet and avoiding diabetic foot issues. Your podiatrist may recommend specialised orthopaedic shoes that provide a high level of support, and it's important to wear these at all times. The right type of footwear can help relieve pressure on the foot, which can in turn help you avoid ulcers and sores. Additionally, you might also find that you experience less foot pain when you have the right footwear.
Your podiatrist might also recommend gradient compression stockings. These stockings encourage optimal blood flow, which in turn helps you avoid a whole host of vascular issues. Generally, you'll need to wear compression stockings during all waking hours, although your doctor may tell you to wear them on a different schedule based on your specific diabetic foot concerns and issues.
The two tips above -- regular self examination and proper footwear -- can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your feet whilst dealing with diabetes. Contact your podiatrist or vascular surgeon like Timothy Wagner to discuss the specifics of these tips to make sure that you're protecting your feet in the best possible way!